A master's degree in architecture from the University of Washington in 2013 marked the formal pivot point for Mariam Kamara, who transitioned from a seven-year career in computer science to the built environment. Born in Saint-Étienne in 1979, the Nigerien citizen has since focused her practice on open living spaces, prioritizing local materials and community-driven design across the Sahel.
Early Career and Education
Before turning to architecture, Kamara pursued technical computing. She earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 2001 and a master's degree in computer science from New York University in 2004. After working in the computing field for seven years, she returned to academia, earning her architecture master's degree at the University of Washington. Her thesis, titled Mobile Loitering, examined gender dynamics within Niger's public spaces and was later exhibited at the 2014 Triennale di Milano.
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In 2013, she co-founded the group united4design while residing in the United States. Upon returning to Niger in 2014, she established the firm Atelier Masomi. Her architectural approach emphasizes geometric forms and utilizes locally sourced materials, specifically cement, raw earth, and recycled metal. This focus aims to address spatial challenges, such as the limitations observed in the concrete structures common to 1960s urban developments in Niamey.
Key Projects
Her inaugural major project, the Niamey 2000 apartment complex, was completed in 2016. It incorporated the traditional faada, a space between the street and home designed for social gathering. In 2018, she collaborated on the Hikma cultural complex in Dandaji, which houses a mosque and library constructed with rammed earth techniques to combine secular and religious knowledge. Current and planned projects include the Bët-bi museum in Senegal and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center in Liberia.
Academic and Advisory Roles
Kamara has maintained a significant presence in academic and institutional settings. She taught urban studies at Brown University as an adjunct associate professor in 2017. By 2022, she assumed the role of Full Professor of Architecture Heritage and Sustainability at ETH Zurich. Additionally, her expertise led to her appointment on the advisory committee for the inaugural Ammodo Architecture Awards in 2024.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Saint-Étienne
- Citizenship: Niger
- Degrees: Purdue University (BS), New York University (MS), University of Washington (MArch)
- Firm: Atelier Masomi
- Academic Appointment: ETH Zurich
- Notable Recognition: 2017 LafargeHolcim Award
- Language: French
Questions readers ask
What materials does Mariam Kamara prioritize in her architecture?
She centers her designs around locally available materials, specifically raw earth, cement, and recycled metal.
What was the inspiration behind the Hikma complex?
The project uses rammed earth construction to integrate secular and religious knowledge, functioning as a mosque, library, and community center.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Brown University
- Educated at Purdue University, New York University and University of Washington
- Worked as architect, university teacher and computer scientist
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